A veteran special effects artist, Christine Overs, is taking legal action against Disney for a staggering £150,000 ($191,000) after sustaining a severe injury while working on the set of the Disney feature film, The Little Mermaid. The incident occurred at Pinewood Studios in October 2020, causing Overs to fall and break her wrist. Despite the film’s recent release on Disney+ and its remarkable global box office success, Overs seeks compensation for the significant impact the injury has had on her career and overall quality of life.
With a career spanning several decades, Christine Overs has an impressive list of credits to her name. From her work on iconic films such as GoldenEye, Aliens, and Superman IV, to her involvement in beloved animated series like Thomas the Tank Engine, Overs has established herself as a specialist in designing beach and snow scenes. Her expertise led her to work at Jim Henson’s Creative Shop of Neverending Story III in 1994, showcasing the recognition and trust she received within the industry.
While crafting a beach scene for The Little Mermaid, Overs encountered the unfortunate accident that altered her life. Sculpting a lagoon scene on a raised beach, she suddenly found herself falling hard to the ground when a makeshift step collapsed beneath her. Sandcastle Pictures, the production entity established by Disney for the film, has fully accepted liability for the incident. However, they are currently disputing the amount of compensation Overs is entitled to, prolonging the legal battle.
At 74 years old, Christine Overs experiences ongoing pain and struggles with the use of her injured hand. Her occupation demands precise finger movements, making it increasingly challenging to continue her work effectively. To help stabilize her arm and wrist, she required five steel pins and a ‘fixator’ that extends to her elbow. The injuries sustained have left her with a substantial level of disability, causing difficulty even in performing everyday tasks such as driving.
Overs’ lawyers argue that Sandcastle Pictures failed to provide adequate access to the set, ultimately leading to their client’s fall and subsequent injury. They claim that the absence of proper precautions, such as secure and stable steps, directly contributed to the accident. A pre-trial hearing in London recently determined the legal costs for the upcoming trial. The actual trial date, however, remains unknown at this time.
As of now, Disney has not responded to requests for comment in regards to the lawsuit. It is yet to be seen how the entertainment giant will address Overs’ claims and the potential consequences of the injury sustained on the set of The Little Mermaid.
Christine Overs’ significant injury on the set of The Little Mermaid has caused tremendous disruption to her career and overall well-being. The legal battle between Overs and Disney highlights the importance of maintaining proper safety protocols on film sets to prevent such accidents from occurring and the subsequent impact they can have on individuals involved in the production.
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